Q: What are my computer system requirements for the DW6000?
A: The DIRECWAY Modem (model number DW6000) lets you connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows® or Macintosh® based system. In order to ensure you get the most out of your Internet experience, DIRECWAY has developed these minimum requirements:
· Operating system: PC: Windows 98 SE or above.
MAC: 9.0-10.2 (excludes 10.0)
· Processor: PC: Pentium II 333 MHz or faster
MAC: 300 MHz or faster
· Memory (RAM): PC: 64MB RAM(Windows 98SE, Me)
128MB RAM (Windows 2000, XP)
MAC: 128MB
· Free Hard Drive Space: PC: 100MB
MAC: 150MB
· Connection : Standard Ethernet Port.
Q: What operating systems are compatible with the new DIRECWAY System?
A: The DIRECWAY Modem is operating system agnostic, meaning you can connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows® or Macintosh® based system.
Q: Is DIRECWAY compatible with my Mac?
A: Yes. Please review our Minimum Requirements list above for Macintosh systems.
Q: Why is Mac OS 10.0 not supported?
A: Because the Mac OS 10.0 release is not supported by Apple, we do not develop products around non-supported OS systems. We recommend you upgrade your Mac OS to 10.1 or higher, which is supported by DIRECWAY.
Q: How can I tell if my computer has the required Ethernet Port ?
A: Usually you will find the ethernet port on the back or side of your computer. It looks similar to a standard phone jack but is slightly wider. If your computer does not have an ethernet port you will need to purchase an adapter which can be found on our " Networking " page above.
Q: What if my computer did not come with an Ethernet Port ? What can I do?
A: Many computers can be upgraded with a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) or an external USB type adapter such as the LINKSYS brand we offer. You can view these items by clicking here. If you have an available USB port on your computer, you can use a USB Ethernet adapter. The USB type is much easier to install than a PCI card, which requires that you take the computer apart. For a laptop you can also use a USB Ethernet adapter.
Q: I currently have DIRECTV, will I need a new dish ?
A: Yes, DIRECWAY requires a unique dish that is capable of transmitting as well as receiving. The DIRECTV dish does not have that ability. You can however add DIRECTV capabilty to the DIRECWAY dish. To view DIRECWAY with DIRECTV packages click here.
Q: Does DIRECWAY require an ISP ?
A: No, DIRECWAY will be your new ISP. You get 5 new email accounts with DIRECWAY with 10mb storage each. DIRECWAY does not provide web hosting, however. When you turn on your computer you do not have to dial up. You are always on-line. You can continue to use your favorite browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape. You can also continue to use your favorite email software such as Outlook Express or Eudora.
Q: Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
A: No, there is no phone line requirement for normal operation, therefore, a modem is not required to use your DIRECWAY service with the DIRECWAY modem (model number: DW6000).
Q: What is the difference between the DW6000 modem and the DW4000 modem?
A: The DW6000 is the next generation DIRECWAY System modem with a sleek new design. It makes connecting to the Internet easier by incorporating DIRECWAY software inside the DW6000 unit. So, there’s no DIRECWAY software to load on your computer, or upgrades to download. The DW6000 automatically updates itself via the satellite. Also, the DW6000 modem houses both the transmit and receive components in one compact unit, unlike the DW4000 that has a separate transmit and receive modem stacked together and linked by a 24-pin serial cord.
It also uses a simple Ethernet connection to connect your computer to your DIRECWAY Service. Once your satellite dish is installed and connected to the DW6000 all you need to do is connect your computer by using the provided Ethernet cable and you’re high-speed surfing (see ‘Can I run DIRECWAY on a small network?’ for networking capability requirements).
Q: Is the DW6000 faster than the DW4000?
No. Both the DW6000 and the DW4000 modems deliver the same DIRECWAY high-speed service experience. The DW6000 modem allows you to connect to Windows and Macintosh based operating systems, has no software to load on your computer and makes networking your DIRECWAY high-speed connection to multiple home computers easier (See ‘Can I run DIRECWAY on a small network?’ for more information on home networking).
Q: Should I upgrade to the DW6000 from my current DW4000?
A: Upgrading from a DW4000 modem to the next generation DW6000 modem is a good idea if you would like to network more than one home computer or laptop to your DIRECWAY high-speed connection. By networking more than one computer, your family will be able to access your DIRECWAY high-speed Internet connection from any computer on the network and not have to wait in line in order to get online. Please note the upgrade for existing DW4000 users is not yet available. Please keep checking our site for updates on its release.
Please understand that all computers on this network will be sharing a single connection. Simultaneous use of high bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed and are subject to the Fair Access Policy. Actual speeds may vary.
Q: Will my DW4000 modem still work now that DIRECWAY has launched its next generation modem?
A: Yes. If you choose to not upgrade your DIRECWAY modem to the DW6000, your DW4000 transmit and receive modems will still function and are supported by DIRECWAY.
